Rep. Dean Dohrman, a Republican, represents Johnson, Pettis, and Saline counties (District 51). He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2012. In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Dohrman is an online professor. Rep. Dohrman is a member of Warrensburg and Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, and Sedalia Lions Club. He attends Wesley United Methodist Church. A graduate of LaMonte High, Rep. Dohrman earned his PhD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2004. Born in Warrensburg, Rep. Dohrman currently lives in LaMonte.

Capitol Report: August 15, 2013

Posted Monday, August 19, 2013, at 5:10 PM

Last week I attended a meeting of the Old Trails Regional Tourism Partnership in Arrow Rock. This group is moving forward with plans to hire an executive director and partner with USDA Rural Development to promote tourism in our region. Here is some information provided by the group:

Organized in 2009, The Old Trails Regional Tourism Partnership is a grassroots, not-for-profit group working to promote economic development, a unique tourism attraction and entrepreneurial opportunities within the Saline County. This network provides organizational structure and resources necessary for coordinated marketing, protection, promotion and enhancement of historical, agricultural and natural resources of the region.

The Missouri Regional Cuisines Project and National Scenic Byway projects are concurrently underway to bolster the group's objectives and values. The Missouri Regional Cuisines Project is designed to market Missouri wine and food products using labels of origin, or geographic indicators. These labels will communicate the scenic, historic and cultural assets of the Old Trails Region, while enlivening the area's ability to draw on economic development and tourism opportunities

The Old Trails Scenic Byway will expand on past efforts of the Missouri Department of Transportation to designate portions of the Old Trails route as historic and scenic. The Old Trails Scenic Byway will extend from Fort Osage on the west to the Missouri River at Boonville on the east, following the basic route of the historic Santa Fe Trail. Ultimately, this route will be nominated to the list of 125 National Scenic Byways in 44 states.

University of Missouri Extension and the Extension Community Economic and Entrepreneurial Development program (ExCEED) support the Old Trails Regional Tourism Partnership in developing new strategies for economic development that focus on the assets and talents within the region. Through this place-based approach, the region defines its future and creates a more stable economic future. ExCEED focuses on development of entrepreneurship and local business development, youth engagement, leadership and community development.

There are hundreds of interesting places to visit within the Old Trails Region Tourism partner-businesses and other unique destinations within the region. The counties on both sides of the Missouri River in West Central Missouri form an area rich in history, cultural heritage and agriculture. There is history and a variety of orchards, wineries, unique shops, restaurants and bed and breakfasts that make this area a destination for travelers looking for an authentic getaway for a day, a weekend, even a lifetime. To visit the Old Trails Regional Tourism, please go to: www.oldtrails.net

It is an honor to serve the 51st District in the Missouri House of Representatives. Each week I will issue a capitol report to keep you informed of activities in Jefferson City. Any concerns or issues you might have are of great interest to me. I look forward to your input and thoughts, so please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions, concerns, or ideas to improve our state government and the quality of life for all Missourians. My telephone number is 573-751-2204 or you may contact me by email at dean.dohrman@house.mo.gov. Thank you for working me to make Missouri a great place to live.